FC Alashkert is set to face CFR Cluj today in the first leg of the Conference League preliminary round at FFA Academy Stadium in Yerevan, starting at 18:00 local time. The match will be broadcasted on Prima Sport 1 and Digi Sport 1.
The return leg is scheduled for July 30 at 21:30 at the “Dr. Constantin Rădulescu” stadium. Should CFR Cluj advance past the Armenian team, they will face the loser of the match between Tromso (Norway) and FC Hradec Kralove (Czech Republic), who are competing in the second preliminary round of the Europa League.
UPDATE 16:45 – CFR Cluj Players Arrive
With just over an hour before kickoff, the players of CFR Cluj have arrived at the FFA Academy Stadium in Yerevan.
UPDATE 14:00 – Cluj Supporters in Yerevan
Hours before the match, CFR Cluj fans have been spotted exploring the streets of Yerevan, with the message “I will support you everywhere…” shared by club officials on social media.
LIVE at 18:00 – FC Alashkert vs. CFR Cluj
Broadcasting: Prima Sport 1 and Digi Sport 1
Probable Lineups
FC Alashkert (4-2-3-1): Belgarian – Sandoyan, Cezar, Matiukhin, Hakobyan – Piloyan, R. Jesus – Farayola, Nalbandyan, Massoumou – M. Toure. Bench: Sesay, Terteryan, Muiz Adebayo, Sabobo, Nduka, Ejike, Togola, Granado, Gigolian, H. Hakobyan. Coach: Vahe Gevorgyan.
CFR Cluj (4-3-3): Vâlceanu – Kun, Abeid, Huja, Camora – Muhar, Djokovic, Fică – Cordea, Sfait, Korenica. Bench: Gal, Rocha, Braun, Perianu, Biliboc, Sula, Drazic. Coach: Antonio Folha.
Stadium: FFA Academy Stadium (Yerevan)
Referee: Eldorjan Hamiti
Assistants: Ilir Tartaraj and Ani Koçiaj
Fourth Official: Erjon Bastari (all from Albania)
CFR Cluj Begins European Campaign
Following a remarkable comeback last season in the Superliga under Daniel Pancu, CFR Cluj secured a spot in the Conference League. However, Pancu has since left, with Portuguese coach Antonio Folha taking over a team facing financial difficulties and having started the Superliga season with a 1-2 defeat against Oțelul.
FC Alashkert advanced from the first round by eliminating the Kazakh team Yelimai Semey, drawing 1-1 at home and 2-2 away, and winning in penalties. Alashkert is currently fourth in their domestic league, trailing leaders Ararat Armenia by seven points after 27 rounds.
Previously, CFR Cluj faced FC Alashkert in the 2018-2019 European competitions, winning both legs 2-0 away and 5-0 at home.
“They are a difficult team that will present challenges for us. If we are at our best, we can have a good match against them. In elimination matches, there are no favorites in my opinion. I have an amazing group with wonderful individuals and extraordinary players who make me feel secure that we can play well tomorrow. Above all, as a coach, I don’t usually comment on individual opponents or even my players. But regarding tomorrow’s opponent, I can certainly speak about their captain, the attacking midfielder, and their three forwards who possess significant quality and can create many problems if we allow them. We will be prepared to stop them.” – Antonio Folha, CFR Cluj Coach
